Soundcard Suggestions - Dedicated DAC & Dolby Headhpone device

This is the setup I'm considering:

From what I know, a DAC's only job is to transmit sound, and to do so with no interference/change to the source. I have read of certain individuals being unable to tell the DAC different from a $68 unit, to a $600 unit; though they were both stated to be good quality units, and some others were awful in comparison as well. So I thought I could essentially kill two birds with one stone.. I'm interested in both a DAC and Dolby Headphone functionality. I know some soundcards come with an onboard amp, but I would rather not have that and use an amp of my own choosing, a higher quality one than one that would  be on a soundcards. This DAC would be used both for audiophile purposes of enjoying music, as well as some gaming (hence the need for dolby headphone).

So said soundcard should have essentially 3 qualities:

• PCI-E (Only slots I have)
• High Quality DAC
• Accept connections from external amp
• Dolby Headphone functionality

I know there are a lot of cards out there (Asus/Creative/Auzentech/etc..), so I was just hoping for some guidance. Also, another user kindly informed me that DAC's on soundcards are a "fixed and limited in choice, [and that I] do not need to get very crazy amplifiers and/or headphones because everything will be limited by the quality of said DAC." ..would this really be the case? as I was under the impression that, as stated before, DAC's need only to clearly, without interference, transmit the audio.

Thank you C:

Quote:

Originally Posted by taisho 

I have a DV Amp and a HT Omega Claro Halo soundcard with upgraded op-amps. My amp is currently boxed up. 'nough said.

That was so helpful... thank you.

/end sarcasm

the HT Omega Claro doesn't even have DH

bumpity.

Should I have posted this in the source components thread?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric_C 

What about something a little different? Like the Astro MixAmp.

It doesn't run PCI-E, but it can take USB or coaxial, and it's got good reviews for its Dolby Headphone. Check out MadLustEnvy's thread.

Oh I'm definitely aware of the MixAmp and that thread, though the MixAmp is far more suited for console gaming than it would be PC, I would assume. Also the MixAmp might not be the best way to DAC from the computer to another amp, which is what I'm planning to do. That, and I'm sure there should be some soundcards that have much better DAC capabilities than the MixAmp.

Essentially, what I'm asking is for the best DAC soundcard there is (that'd accept input from an amp) that also includes Dolby Headphone functionality.

So after some research I've narrowed my choices to these three:

• Xonar D2X
• Xonar Essence STX
• Titanium HD

The STX has an amp included, so I would use the line-outs (utilizing the card as a DAC) and make use of an external amp; I am however uncertain if the line-out bypasses the Dolby Headphone, which if it does, I would not be interested. The D2X I am really just oblivious to as I wouldn't know what ports I would use to send the signal to a headphone amp; or if you even can use it in that way?. It has 7.1 ports and SP/DIF in, and SP/DIF out.

The Titanium HD (with CMSS-3D), has RCA ports for L and R so I assume those would be the ports to use for an amp, but it also has RCA ports labelled as "Opt in" & "Opt out", unsure what those are for. Also I'm unsure if the CMSS-3D applies only to the headphone port, or if it is available to the line-outs as well. An interesting thing to note about the Titanium HD is that I'd be able to replace opamps, which I assume would potentially improve the DAC quality; I do not know if this is the same for the other 2 Asus cards.

If anyone can enlighten me, and alleviate my ignorance of these cards, I'd be very grateful.

EDIT: I am at the moment also looking up some PCI-E Auzentech prodcuts(Forte/Bravura), I'm not sure if their cards would support an external amp and/or have 3D imaging software (DH or CMSS3D)